Methods and apparatus for resolving identifier conflicts in a communication system

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods of allocating identifiers in a communication system include receiving, at a first access point, a set of physical layer identifiers used by a plurality of access points, with assistance from an access terminal. The apparatus and methods further include detecting, relative to one of the plurality of access points, a conflicting physical layer identifier. Additionally, the apparatus and methods include selecting, at the first access point, a first physical layer identifier distinct from the conflicting physical layer identifier.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present Application for Patent is a continuation of patentapplication Ser. No. 12/171,479, entitled “Method and Apparatus forResolving Pilot Pseudorandom Noise Code Conflicts in a CommunicationSystem,” filed Jul. 11, 2008, pending, and further claims priority toProvisional Application No. 60/950,094, entitled “Automated Procedurefor PilotPN Planning in Wireless Communication Networks,” filed Jul. 16,2007, both assigned to the assignee hereof and both hereby expresslyincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure generally relates to methods and apparatus forresolving identifier conflicts in a communication system.

2. Background

In wireless communication systems, such as an Ultra Mobile Broadband(UMB) system, identification information such as a pilot pseudorandomnoise code (referred to herein as a “PilotPN code” or simply “PilotPN”)is used to identify an access point (AP) or base station to an accessterminal (AT) or other user equipment. Ideally, each PilotPN for eachrespective AP is unique. Nonetheless, even if the same PilotPN is usedfor more than one AP, each PilotPN emanating from a particular AP mayhave a PN offset different from the counterpart emanating from theanother AP to achieve differentiation. If these are not the case,however, a PilotPN conflict scenario may arise. Sometimes, the term“PilotPN conflict” is called a “PilotPN collision” instead. For purposesof this disclosure, the two terms are used interchangeably.

Any PilotPN conflict is undesirable as repeating or even closely offsetPilotPNs from different APs can disrupt signal demodulation, decoding,and further network side routing. In order to resolve PilotPN conflict,the occurrence of PilotPN collision has previously been resolved bymanual intervention and coordination, which results in increased costsand deployment delays. In accordance with the present disclosure, suchcollision or conflict may be resolved automatically through PilotPNplanning as will be described herein.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect, a method for allocating identifiers in acommunication system is disclosed. The method includes receiving, at afirst access point, a set of physical layer identifiers used by aplurality of access points, with assistance from an access terminal. Themethod further includes detecting, relative to one of the plurality ofaccess points, a conflicting physical layer identifier. Further, themethod includes selecting at the first access point, a first physicallayer identifier distinct from the conflicting physical layeridentifier.

According to another aspect, an apparatus for use in allocatingidentifiers in a communication network is disclosed. The apparatusincludes at least one processor that is configured to receive, at afirst access point, a set of physical layer identifiers used by aplurality of access points, with assistance from an access terminal;detect, relative to one of the plurality of access points, a conflictingphysical layer identifier; and select at the first access point, a firstphysical layer identifier distinct from the conflicting physical layeridentifier. The apparatus also includes a memory coupled to the at leastone processor.

According to still a further aspect, an apparatus for use in acommunication system is disclosed. The apparatus includes means forreceiving, at a first access point, a set of physical layer identifiersused by a plurality of access points, with assistance from an accessterminal. Also, the apparatus includes means for detecting, relative toone of the plurality of access points, a conflicting physical layeridentifier. Additionally, the apparatus includes means for selecting, atthe first access point, a first physical layer identifier distinct fromthe conflicting physical layer identifier.

According to yet one further aspect, a computer program product isdisclosed that includes a computer-readable medium. Thecomputer-readable medium includes code for causing a computer toreceive, at a first access point, a set of physical layer identifiersused by a plurality of access points, with assistance from an accessterminal. The medium also includes code for causing the computer todetect, relative to one of the plurality of access points, a conflictingphysical layer identifier. Additionally, the medium includes code forcausing the computer to select, at the first access point, a firstphysical layer identifier distinct from the conflicting physical layeridentifier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative example of a first tier communication system,which may employ the presently disclosed methods and apparatus forPilotPN planning and conflict resolution.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative example of a first tier communication system,which may employ the presently disclosed methods and apparatus forPilotPN planning and conflict resolution.

FIG. 3 is a call flow diagram of an exemplary method for resolvingconflicts between PilotPNs in a communication system.

FIG. 4 is a call flow diagram of another exemplary method for resolvingconflicts between PilotPNs in a communication system.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method that may be used toresolve conflicts between PilotPNs in a communication system.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary apparatus that may be utilized in an access pointor similar device for resolving conflicts between PilotPNs in acommunication system.

FIG. 7 is another example of an apparatus that may be utilized in anaccess terminal or similar device for resolving conflicts betweenPilotPNs in a communication system.

FIG. 8 is yet another example of an apparatus that may be used toresolve conflicts between PilotPNs in a communication system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed method and apparatus effect resolving pilotpseudorandom noise (PN) code conflicts in a communication system. Inparticular, the present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus forautomated planning of PilotPN codes to resolve PilotPN conflicts throughthe assistance of access terminal (ATs) communicating PilotIDinformation to access points (APs). It is noted here that the presentlydisclosed method and apparatus may be viewed in relation to automatedneighbor discovery (ND) of access terminals in a communication system,such as was disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/136,495, filedJun. 10, 2008 entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR NEIGHBOR DISCOVERY OFBASE STATIONS IN A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM” by Tinnakornsrisuphap et al.,assigned to the assignee hereof, and is expressly incorporated byreference herein.

In the following described examples, for reasons of conciseness andclarity the disclosure uses terminology associated with Ultra MobileBroadband (UMB) technology. It should be emphasized, however, that thepresently described examples are also applicable to other technologies,such as technologies related to Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access(FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and soforth. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that whenapplying the disclosed methods and apparatus to other technologies, theassociated terminology would clearly be different.

As pedagogical background concerning collision types, it is noted thatin certain communication systems there are two types of collisions thatmay occur, namely, first-tier collisions and second-tier collisions.FIG. 1 illustrates a communication system in which a first-tiercollision may occur. In the first-tier collision scenario, an AT 102 maybe in a coverage area of two access points (APs). A first access pointAP1 104 may be part of a sector having a SectorID of SectorIDa, as anexample, and a second access point AP2 106 is in another sector with aSectorID of SectorIDb. In this example, however, AP1 and AP2 are assumedto both transmit the same PilotPN code, thus resulting in a conflict orcollision between two PilotPNs. It is also noted that the PilotPN ofeach AP 104, 106 need not be identical to cause a conflict, but insteadthe PN offset may be configured in such a way that it is difficult forthe AT 102 to differentiate the difference, thus engendering a conflict.

Using another example to describe a second-tier conflict, FIG. 2illustrates another communication system in which a second-tiercollision situation may arise. In this example, the communicationincludes a first access point AP1 202, a second access point AP2 204,and a third access point AP3 206. In the system of FIG. 2, a situationthat may give rise to a second-tier collision is when AP2 204 and AP3206 transmit the same PilotPN.

As shown in FIG. 2, a first access terminal AT1 208 and a second accessterminal AT2 210 are in a coverage territory of AP1 202 as indicated bywireless links 212 and 214, respectively. It is intended that AT1 208sense the PilotPN from AP2 204, while the AT2 210 sees the PilotPN fromthe AP3. Suppose, however, that AT1 208 tries to communicate a messageto the AP2 204 though the AP1 202 via a backhaul network (not shown),for example, for reserving resources on AP2. The AT1 208 would then usethe PilotPN (or SectorID information) to resolve an address (e.g., an IPaddress) in order to route such a message via the backhaul. However, theAP1 202 in this case is unable to decide to which access point, i.e.,AP2 204 or the AP3 206, the message is to be forwarded. Quite likely,AP1 202 is unaware of the existence of the AP3 206 and thus mistakenlyforwards the message to the AP3 206 via the backhaul.

In order to resolve conflicts, such as the first and second tierconflicts discussed above, the present application discloses methods andapparatus for resolving conflicts dues to conflicting PilotPNs.According to an aspect, FIG. 3 illustrates a call flow diagram 300 of amethodology that may effect PilotPN conflict resolution in acommunication system, such as the systems of FIGS. 1 and 2. An accesspoint AP1 302 may currently serve one or more access terminals, such asshown access terminal AT 304, as an example. AP1 302 may then beconfigured to periodically probe or query various ATs currently servedby AP1 302, as shown by block 306 in order to determine whether twoaccess points in the same region share the same PilotPN.

To accomplish this end, an access point, such as AP1 302, may beconfigured to periodically send a request message to one or more ATswithin its coverage area requesting the SectorIDs, and thus APs,contained in the active sets of the AT's. Message SectorIDRequest 308from AP1 302 to AT 304 is shown in FIG. 3 as an example. In response tomessage 308, the AP1 302 receives message reports from the ATs, such asSectorIDResponse 310 from AT 304 as an example. In the particularexample of FIG. 3, the response 310 may include a Sector ID of SectorIDband a PilotPN code PNb that pertain to another access point AT2 312 fromwhich AT1 304 receives or has received signal strength.

The access point receiving the messages (e.g., AP1 302) may then performdetection of PilotPN conflicts from a set of access points or SectorIDs(termed herein as set S_(SID)) as indicated by block 314. The set ofaccess points is obtained or determined by the querying of the ATs byAP1 302. According to an aspect, a set of PilotPNs (termed herein as setS_(PN)) used within the set of access points (i.e., the set S_(SID)) maythen be obtained or determined from the queried ATs. If there exists atleast two different SectorIDs or APs that have conflicting PilotPNs(i.e., they share the same PilotPN code), the AP1 302 may then beconfigured to contact one of the APs having a conflicting PilotPN overthe backhaul and request a change of PilotPN. Alternatively, mediationmay occur by a predetermined access point where the mediator detects theconflicting PilotPN codes and subsequently allocates the PilotPN valuesfor respective APs and communicates the new allocated PilotPN values tothe affected APs. These processes are illustrated in the example of FIG.3 by arrow 316, where communication between AP1 302 and AP2 312.Afterward, the conflict between PilotPNs has been resolved as indicatedby block 318. As yet another alternative, it is noted that AP1 302 maychange its own PilotPN rather than contacting the other APs asillustrated in FIG. 3.

It is noted that in an aspect the AP1 302, if acting as a mediating AP,may be configured to pick PilotPNs that are not being used by any of theknown first-tier or second-tier neighbors. In a further aspect, AP1 302may find out about the set of PilotPNs that are used by the second-tierneighbors by requesting its neighbors (e.g., first tier neighbors) forinformation about their neighbors (i.e., second tier neighbors withrespect to the requesting AP), such as over the backhaul. Such queryingaffords the avoidance of PilotPN collisions with both first and secondtier neighbors. Furthermore, it is noted that if multiple iterations arebeing performed (i.e., the processes of the call flow in FIG. 3 arerepeated multiple times), the new distinct PilotPN will not be used orallocated in any of the subsequent iterations.

According to alternative example, an AT may be configured to initiateautonomously or independently the collision detection and reportingprocesses. Referring to the call diagram of FIG. 4, as an example, an AT402 detects two APs 404, 406 in its vicinity having the same PilotPN asindicated by block 408. In this example, the AT 402 may detect more thanone AP with the same PilotPN but having different SectorIDs in apredetermined time window, which can be network configured, for example,as illustrated by block 410. The AT would then send a SectorIDReportmessage 412 to any accessible AP (e.g., serving AP1 404 in thisexample), in which information regarding the conflicting PilotPN, theSector IDs of the conflicting APs (if known), signal strength, and thetime of measurement (if known) is included. It also should be noted thatthe additional fields of the SectorIDReport message could be included inresponse to a SectorIDRequest message from an AP as an alternative (thusthe message would be a responsive message). The AP receiving message 412would then initiate PilotPN mediation according to the processesdiscussed above with respect to FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 500 for automatedallocation of PilotPNs in a communication system. As shown, the methodincludes a block 502 where a set of a plurality of APs (e.g. S_(SID)) isdetermined. As noted above, the set of all APs or SectorIDs may bederived with the assistance of one or more ATs served by a particularAP. As also discussed above, particular implementations may include theset of APs being determined within an AP, as shown in FIG. 3, oralternatively being determined by one or more ATs as described inconnection with FIG. 4.

After the set of APs is determined, flow proceeds to block 504 where aset of PilotPN codes (e.g., S_(PN)) used by the set of the plurality ofaccess points is determined or defined. Again, implementation of theprocess or functions of block 504 may be effected in a number ofalternative devices. In one aspect, this set of PilotPNs may bedetermined within an AP, such as in the procedure shown in FIG. 3. In analternative aspect, set S_(PN) may be determined by one or more ATs, asdescribed in connection with FIG. 4.

After determination of the set in block 504, flow proceeds to block 506where detection is made whether at least two access points of theplurality of access points have conflicting PilotPN codes. According toone particular implementation of the process of block 506, a subset(termed herein as S₂) of APs within the set of access points (i.e.,S_(SID)) may be selected of APs having a distinct PilotPN from the setS_(PN) of PilotPNs. It is noted that since only one occurrence of aPilotPN is allowed for each AP, the number of APs in subset S₂ will beequal to the number PilotPNs. Thus, if the subset S₂ is less than thenumber of APs in set S_(SID), it can be deduced that conflictingPilotPNs are extant.

As an example of subset S₂ selection, assume three distinct SectorIDs orAPs numbered AP1, AP2, and AP3 are extant in set S_(SID). The set S_(PN)of PilotPNs, however, only contains two distinct PilotPNs PN1 and PN2,where PN1 is assumed associated with APs AP1 and AP2 and PN2 isassociated with AP3. Accordingly, the subset S₂ could contain AP1 andAP3, or alternatively AP2 and AP3 for the occurrences of PN1 and PN2.Accordingly, it is can then be known that there is a conflict concerningmultiple uses of PilotPN PN1. Stated another way, the APs in subset S₂may then be allocated respective PilotPNs from the set S_(PN). Thus, itis evident that by excluding allocation of extant PilotPNs to thoseremaining APs having shared PilotPNs, a determination of a conflict hasbeen identified, as well as determining or identifying those APs thatwill need to have their PilotPN codes changed.

Similar to the processes of blocks 502 and 504, the processes of block506 may be effected by various alternate devices. In one aspect, theprocess of block 506 may be implemented in an AP, such as in theprocedure shown in FIG. 3. In an alternative aspect, the processes ofblock 506 may be determined by one or more ATs, such as was described inconnection with FIG. 4. Additionally, if the processes of block 506 areimplemented by an AT, the AT may be configured to autonomously send amessage to an AP reporting the conflicting PilotPNs where the message istriggered when the conflicting Pilot PNs are determined by the AT. Inyet a further alternative, various processes of block 506 may berespectively implemented by an AP and one or more ATs.

After block 506, flow proceeds to block 508 where a first PilotPN codeis allocated to one of the at least two APs having conflicting PilotPNcodes. Thus, in the particular example from above, AP1 and AP2 haveconflicting PilotPN codes (e.g., PN1). Thus, one of AP1 or AP2 couldremain allocated with PN1 as the first PilotPN code. Continuing withthis example, this allocation may consist of selecting one of AP1 or AP2to be a member of subset S₂, whereas the other AP (or APs in the case ofmore than two conflicting PNs) would be excluded from the subset. It isnoted that the decision of which AP is selected for subset S₂ may bearbitrary. Alternatively, the decision of which APs to exclude may bebased on various criteria, such as the number of users currently servedby an AP or the coverage area of the APs. Concerning the first PilotPNcode, it is noted that the first PilotPN code could also consist of anentirely new PilotPN code.

Method 500 also includes allocating at least a second PilotPN codedistinct from the first PilotPN code to at least one remaining accesspoint of the at least two access points having conflicting PilotPN codesas illustrated by block 510. Given the above example, the one or moreremaining access points excluded from subset S₂ (i.e., S_(SID)-S₂) areassigned or allocated with respective other second PilotPN codes outsideof the set S_(PN) of PilotPNs. It is noted that the processes of block510 may be implemented by AP communication to the other APs on abackhaul to effect the change in the PilotPNs, as one example. It isalso contemplated that this messaging may also take place via wirelesslinks, such as between APs if within range and the APs including ATequipment or an equivalent. Additionally, it is contemplated that ATdevices could also assist in such messaging over wireless links.

It is also noted that selection of PilotPNs for some or all of the APscould be random and distinct PilotPNs outside the set S_(PN). It is alsocontemplated, however, that selection could further alternatively bebased on a survey of all second tier AP PilotPNs and then selectingPilotPNs outside of that set of PNs. This alternative aspect is furtherillustrated by the operation of block 512, which is shown dashedaccordingly. As may be seen in the example of block 512, a query may beissued by an AP (or AT initiated as a further option) to its first tierneighbor APs during the operation of block 502, for example, todetermine second tier neighbor APs when determining the set of theplurality of APs (and the attendant PilotPN codes). This query may beaccomplished via messaging over the backhaul, as an example, but couldalso be accomplished wirelessly via ATs, for example. Accordingly, theset of the plurality of APs and the set of PilotPN codes will accountfor second tier neighbors when allocating the first PilotPN and the atleast second Pilot PN in the operation of blocks 508 and 510. It isfurther noted that the process 500 may be periodic in nature to effectan iterative algorithm or method for planning or changing PilotPNs in acommunication system. In addition, while, for purposes of simplicity ofexplanation, the methodology is shown and described as a series ornumber of acts, it is to be understood that the processes describedherein are not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown anddescribed herein. For example, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat a methodology could alternatively be represented as a series ofinterrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, notall illustrated acts may be required to implement a methodology inaccordance with the subject methodologies disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 schematically shows an exemplary implementation of an apparatus600 for executing the methodologies as described above. Apparatus 600may be implemented in a server implemented with an AP, as merely anexample, or any other suitable apparatus. Apparatus 600 may also beimplemented as other suitable hardware (e.g., processor, or a collectionof circuits/modules), software, firmware, or any combination thereof foruse in an AT device

The apparatus 600 features a central data bus 602, or similar device forcommunicatively linking several circuits or modules together. Thecircuits may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a controller 604and transceiver circuits 606. The apparatus 600 may also include amemory unit 610 or similar device for storing computer or processorexecutable instructions.

The transceiver circuits 606 include receiver circuits to processreceived signals before sending out to the central data bus 602, as wellas transmit circuits to process and buffer data from the data bus 602before sending out of the device 600, such as to one or more ATs.Additionally in the case where apparatus 600 is employed in an AP orbase station, the transceiver circuits 606 may include RF circuits totransmit and receive via a wireless link 612 to the one or more AT's.

The CPU/controller 604 may be configured to perform the function of datamanagement of the data bus 602 and further perform the function ofgeneral data processing, including executing the instructional contentsof the memory unit 610. It is noted here that instead of separatelyimplemented as shown in FIG. 6, as an alternative, the transceivercircuits 606 can be incorporated as parts of the CPU/controller 604. Asa further alternative, the entire apparatus 600 may be implemented as anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or similar apparatus.

The memory unit 610 may include one or more sets ofinstructions/modules. In the exemplary apparatus 600, theinstructions/modules include, among other things, a PilotPN ConflictDetection and Resolution function 614, which is configured to effect themethodologies described herein. Memory unit 610 may further includeother data constructs or structures that store, among other things, thePilotPN and AP (SectorID) data derived from ATs or other APs.

In the example of FIG. 6, the memory unit 610 may be a RAM (RandomAccess Memory) circuit. The exemplary portions, such as the function614, are software routines, modules and/or data sets. The memory unit610 can be tied to another memory circuit (not shown) which either canbe of the volatile or nonvolatile type. As an alternative, the memoryunit 610 can be made of other circuit types, such as an EEPROM(Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM(Electrical Programmable Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), anASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a magnetic disk, anoptical disk, and other computer-readable media well known in the art.

It is further noted that the apparatus 600 may alternatively includenetwork interface circuits 608 or similar devices that may be used toeffect communication of PilotPN information to other APs, such as via abackhaul 616. In particular, the circuits 608 may be used to transmitand receive messages for either receiving or sending PilotPN informationto other APs for changing PilotPNs in those APs having conflictingPilotPNs.

FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary apparatus 700 that may be utilizedto effect the methodologies disclosed herein. It is noted that apparatus700 may constitute an AT or other suitable hardware (e.g., processor, ora collection of circuits/modules), software, firmware, or anycombination thereof for use in an AT device. As illustrated, theapparatus 700 includes a central data bus 702, or similar device forcommunicatively linking or coupling several circuits together. Thecircuits include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a controller 704,transceiver circuits 706, network, and a memory unit 708.

The transceiver circuits 706 include receiver circuits to processreceived signals before sending out to the central data bus 702, as wellas transmit circuits to process and buffer data from the data bus 702before sending out of the device 700, such as to one or more APs asillustrated by wireless communication link(s) 710. Accordingly, thetransceiver circuits 706 may include RF circuits to transmit over thewireless link 710 to the one or more ATs.

The CPU/controller 706 performs the function of data management of thedata bus 702 and further the function of general data processing,including executing the instructional contents of the memory unit 710.It is noted here that instead of separately implemented as shown in FIG.7, as an alternative, the transceiver circuits 706 can be incorporatedas parts of the CPU/controller 704. As a further alternative, the entireapparatus 700 may be implemented as an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC) or similar apparatus.

The memory unit 710 may include one or more sets ofinstructions/modules. In the exemplary apparatus 700, theinstructions/modules include, among other things, a PilotPN ConflictDetection and Resolution function 712, which is configured to effect themethodologies described herein; namely the processes of either of callflow diagrams in FIGS. 3 and 4, as well as one or more processes of themethod 500 disclosed in FIG. 5. It is also noted that memory unit 710may store an active set or list of all APs with which the AT device hasvisited. This active set may then be used by either an AP (or AT) toderive the set of all APs; namely S_(SID) discussed above.

In the example of FIG. 7, the memory unit 710 may be a RAM (RandomAccess Memory) circuit. The exemplary portions, such as the function714, are software routines, modules and/or data sets. The memory unit710 can be tied to another memory circuit (not shown) which either canbe of the volatile or nonvolatile type. As an alternative, the memoryunit 710 can be made of other circuit types, such as an EEPROM(Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM(Electrical Programmable Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), anASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a magnetic disk, anoptical disk, and other computer-readable media well known in the art.

FIG. 8 illustrates another apparatus 800 for use in a communicationsystem that may be utilized for resolving PilotPN collisions orconflicts. It is noted that the apparatus 800, may be implemented in anAP, as one example. It should be further noted, that disclosed apparatus800 is not limited to implementation only in an AP, but may transcendimplementation solely in an AP by also including implementation of thedisclosed functional means or modules, or portions thereof, in one ormore AT devices.

Apparatus 800 includes a module or means 802 for determining a set of aplurality of APs (e.g. S_(SID)). It is noted that module 802 may beimplemented by both components or modules within an AP as well ascomponents or modules in one or more ATs. Furthermore, the module 802may be implemented with components in the AP that initiate queries tovarious ATs in its coverage area, as well as components in one or moreATs that respond with PilotPN information to the querying AP as wasdiscussed previously in connection with the call flow diagram in FIG. 3.Alternatively, the module 802 may also be implemented with components inan AP and ATs that are configured to implement the call flow of FIG. 4where one or more AT devices serve to initiate the function ofdetermining the set of the plurality of APs. The information received bymodule 802 may then be communicated to various other modules or means inapparatus 800 via a bus 804, or similar suitable communication coupling.

It is also contemplated, however, that selection by module 802 couldfurther be implemented with the assistance or addition of an alternativemodule or means 805 that affords the determination to be based on asurvey of all second tier AP PilotPNs and then selecting PilotPNsoutside of that set of PNs. Module 805 for determining second tierneighbors from first tier neighbors effects initiation of a query thatmay be issued by an AP (or AT initiated as a further option) to itsfirst tier neighboring APs via a backhaul, as an example, to obtaininformation of neighboring APs known to those APs, which are second tierneighbors to apparatus 800. From the second tier APs, module 805 thenalso assists in the determination of a set of the attendant PilotPNcodes. Thus, the addition of the functionality of module 805 may ensurethat the set of the plurality of APs and the set of PilotPN codes willaccount for second tier neighbors when allocating the first PilotPN andthe at least second Pilot PN codes.

The set of APs (and associated PilotPNs) may be communicated by module802 to a module or means 806 for determining a set of PilotPN codes(e.g., S_(PN)) used by the set of the plurality of access points. Module806 may be implemented, as an example, by components within an AP, anAT, or a combination thereof. Exemplary functions that may be employedby module 806 include the functions described above in connection withFIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

Apparatus 800 further includes a module or means 808 for detectingwhether at least two access points of the plurality of access pointshave conflicting PilotPN codes based on the sets determined by modules802 and 806, for example. Similar to modules 802 and 806, this module808 may be implemented, as an example, by components within an AP, anAT, or a combination thereof. Exemplary functions that may be employedby module 806 include the functions described above in connection withFIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

Apparatus 800 also includes a module or means 810 for allocating a firstPilotPN code to one of the at least two access points having conflictingPilotPN codes. A module 812 is also featured for allocating at least asecond PilotPN code distinct from the first PilotPN code to at least oneremaining access point of the at least two access points havingconflicting PilotPN codes. It is noted that modules 810 and 812 may beimplemented within or by an AP, as an example. It is further noted thateither of these modules may be configured to communicate allocatedPilotPN codes to one or more other APs in order to effect changes to thePilotPNs of those APs selected to have their PNs changed.

In addition, the apparatus 800 may include an optional computer readablemedium or memory device 814 configured to store computer readableinstructions and data for effecting the processes and behavior of one ormore of the modules in apparatus 800. Additionally, apparatus 800 mayinclude a processor 816 configured to execute the computer readableinstructions in memory 814, and thus may be configured to execute one ormore functions of the various modules in apparatus 800.

In light of the above discussion, it can be appreciated that thepresently disclosed methods and apparatus afford automatedplanning/conflict resolution for PilotPN codes in a communicationsystem. It is noted that by iterative or periodic discovery of APs andassociated PilotPNs, conflicts between PilotPNs may be effectivelydiscovered before an actual PilotPN collision occurs. It will also beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the present methods andapparatus are thus effective in mitigating the adverse effects of suchcollisions on operations such as signal demodulation, decoding, andfurther network side routing.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in theprocesses disclosed is an example of exemplary approaches. Based upondesign preferences, it is understood that the specific order orhierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged while remainingwithin the scope of the present disclosure. The accompanying methodclaims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and arenot meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that information and signalsmay be represented using any of a variety of different technologies andtechniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information,signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout theabove description may be represented by voltages, currents,electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields orparticles, or any combination thereof.

Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the variousillustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm stepsdescribed in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may beimplemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinationsof both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware andsoftware, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits,means, and steps have been described above generally in terms of theirfunctionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware orsoftware depends upon the particular application and design constraintsimposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implementthe described functionality in varying ways for each particularapplication, but such implementation decisions should not be interpretedas causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits describedin connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implementedor performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signalprocessor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in thealternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration.

The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with theembodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in asoftware module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two.A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory,EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, aCD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Anexemplary storage medium (not shown) may be coupled to the processorsuch the processor can read information from, and write information to,the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may beintegral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium mayreside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In thealternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discretecomponents in a user terminal.

The examples described above are merely exemplary and those skilled inthe art may now make numerous uses of, and departures from, theabove-described examples without departing from the inventive conceptsdisclosed herein. Various modifications to these examples may be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to other examples, e.g., in an instant messagingservice or any general wireless data communication applications, withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the novel aspects describedherein. Thus, the scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limitedto the examples shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Itis noted that the word “exemplary” is used exclusively herein to mean“serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any exampledescribed herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other examples. Accordingly, the novelaspects described herein are to be defined solely by the scope of thefollowing claims.

1. A method for allocating identifiers in a communication system,comprising: receiving, at a first access point, a set of physical layeridentifiers used by a plurality of access points, with assistance froman access terminal; detecting, relative to one of the plurality ofaccess points, a conflicting physical layer identifier; and selecting,at the first access point, a first physical layer identifier distinctfrom the conflicting physical layer identifier.
 2. The method as definedin claim 1, wherein the conflicting physical layer identifier indicatesone of two or more access points utilizing an identical physical layeridentifier or two or more access points having physical layer identifieroffsets insufficient to enable distinguishing between the respectivephysical layer identifiers of the two or more access points.
 3. Themethod as defined in claim 1, wherein the first physical layeridentifier is a same physical layer identifier as an original physicallayer identifier allocated to the one of the at least two access pointshaving the conflicting physical layer identifier.
 4. The method asdefined in claim 1, further comprising: selecting at least one secondphysical layer identifier for use by at least one remaining access pointhaving the conflicting physical layer identifier, wherein the at leastone second physical layer identifier is selected to be distinct from allphysical layer identifiers used by the one or more of the plurality ofaccess points.
 5. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein theplurality of access points includes at least a first tier network of thefirst access point and a second tier network in a vicinity of the firstaccess point.
 6. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the firstphysical layer identifier is a new randomly selected physical layeridentifier.
 7. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the assistancefrom the access terminal comprises: a message from the access terminalreporting the conflicting physical layer identifier when detected by theaccess terminal.
 8. The method as defined in claim 4, furthercomprising: transmitting at least one message to the at least oneremaining access point having the conflicting physical layer identifierincluding instructions to change to the second physical layeridentifier.
 9. The method as defined in claim 1, further comprising:deriving from an active set of access points identified in a responsefrom the access terminal at least one of the one or more of a pluralityof access points.
 10. The method as defined in claim 5, furthercomprising: sending a message from the first access point to a secondaccess point requesting neighboring second tier access points known tothe second access point, wherein the first access point and the secondaccess point are included in the plurality of access points.
 11. Themethod as defined in claim 11, wherein the message is sent over abackhaul network.
 12. The method as defined in claim 10, wherein theplurality of access points comprise a union of access points known tothe first access point, first tier neighbors of the first access point,and second tier neighbors of the first access point.
 13. The method asdefined in claim 1, wherein the selecting of the first physical layeridentifier further comprises selecting based on a characteristic of theone or more of the plurality of access points.
 14. The method as definedin claim 13, wherein selecting based on the characteristic furthercomprises selecting based on a number of users being served or based ona coverage area.
 15. The method as defined in claim 4, furthercomprising: obtaining a set of second tier physical layer identifiersused by a second tier set of access points neighboring the first accesspoint; and wherein the selecting of the at least one second physicallayer identifier is further distinct from the set of second tierphysical layer identifiers.
 16. The method as defined in claim 1,wherein the detecting of the conflicting physical layer identifierfurther comprises detecting that two or more of the plurality of accesspoints have physical layer identifier offsets insufficient to enabledistinguishing between the respective physical layer identifiers of thetwo or more of a plurality of access points.
 17. An apparatus for use ina communication system comprising: means for receiving, at a firstaccess point, a set of physical layer identifiers used by a plurality ofaccess points, with assistance from an access terminal; means fordetecting, relative to one of the plurality of access points, aconflicting physical layer identifier; and means for selecting, at thefirst access point, a first physical layer identifier distinct from theconflicting physical layer identifier.
 18. The apparatus as defined inclaim 17, wherein the conflicting physical layer identifier indicatesone of two or more access points utilizing an identical physical layeridentifier or two or more access points having physical layer identifieroffsets insufficient to enable distinguishing between the respectivephysical layer identifiers of the two or more access points.
 19. Theapparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein the first physical layeridentifier is a same physical layer identifier as an original physicallayer identifier allocated to the one of the at least two access pointshaving the conflicting physical layer identifier.
 20. The apparatus asdefined in claim 17, further comprising: means for selecting at leastone second physical layer identifier for use by at least one remainingaccess point having the conflicting physical layer identifier, whereinthe at least one second physical layer identifier is selected to bedistinct from all physical layer identifiers used by the one or more ofthe plurality of access points.
 21. The apparatus as defined in claim17, wherein the plurality of access points includes at least a firsttier network of the first access point and a second tier network in avicinity of the first access point.
 22. The apparatus as defined inclaim 17, wherein the first physical layer identifier is a new randomlyselected physical layer identifier.
 23. The apparatus as defined inclaim 17, wherein the assistance from the access terminal comprises:means for receiving a message from the access terminal reporting theconflicting physical layer identifier when detected by the accessterminal.
 24. The apparatus as defined in claim 20, further comprising:means for transmitting at least one message to the at least oneremaining access point having the conflicting physical layer identifierincluding instructions to change to the second physical layeridentifier.
 25. The apparatus as defined in claim 17, furthercomprising: means for deriving from an active set of access pointsidentified in a response from the access terminal at least one of theone or more of a plurality of access points.
 26. The apparatus asdefined in claim 21, further comprising: means for sending a messagefrom the first access point to a second access point requestingneighboring second tier access points known to the second access point,wherein the first access point and the second access point are includedin the plurality of access points.
 27. The apparatus as defined in claim26, wherein the message is sent over a backhaul network.
 28. Theapparatus as defined in claim 25, wherein the plurality of access pointscomprise a union of access points known to the first access point, firsttier neighbors of the first access point, and second tier neighbors ofthe first access point.
 29. An apparatus for use in allocatingidentifiers in a communication network, comprising: a processor for:receiving, at a first access point, a set of physical layer identifiersused by a plurality of access points, with assistance from an accessterminal; detecting, relative to one of the plurality of access points,a conflicting physical layer identifier; and selecting, at the firstaccess point, a first physical layer identifier distinct from theconflicting physical layer identifier; and a memory coupled to theprocessor.
 30. A program recorded on a non-transitory computerrecordable medium and executable on a computer, comprising: code forcausing the computer to receive, at a first access point, a set ofphysical layer identifiers used by a plurality of access points, withassistance from an access terminal; code for causing the computer todetect, relative to one of the plurality of access points, a conflictingphysical layer identifier; and code for causing the computer to select,at the first access point, a first physical layer identifier distinctfrom the conflicting physical layer identifier.